Peer Review, point blank, just works. It’s a double check of things as simple as grammar, sentence structure, feedback on steps, and…you, name-its. In my middle school Computer Science class, we also have peers suggest ways to improve products, improved codes, and, in the end, suggest ways to make ‘it’ better.
I introduce the old concepts of T.A.G., but with a twist. TAG is simply:
T - Tell your peer what you like. What has your peer done well. This is a time to bring out everything that is looking great in the project. Shower your peer with positive vibes here.
A - Ask questions. When you look at your peer’s project, what are you curious about? What is tricky or unclear? Ask the question. Get more clarity or ask questions that may make your peer think of other aspects they may not have thought of. And….
G - Give suggestions. What can you suggest that would make the project better, more clear, or add that extra special elements to make the project pop? Brainstorm with your peer.
A cheery reminder before Tag-time to all students is to be kind, be constructive, be a helper. I typically have students submit the feedback they gave and the feedback they got as part of all project deliverables in class.
It just works!
